Adam West, star of hit TV series 'Batman', dies at 88

NEW YORK: Adam West, the actor whose seven-decade career was defined by his role in the 1960s television series “Batman,” has died. He was 88 years old.

The actor passed away Friday night after a “short but brave battle with leukemia,” his family said in a statement posted to West’s Facebook page.

West catapulted to fame after portraying the superhero Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne on the popular campy television series that premiered in 1966.

But the high-profile role ultimately restricted West from playing different characters later on.

Read More: James Bond star Roger Moore dies aged 89: family

Born William West Anderson in Walla Walla, Washington in 1928, the actor later adopted a stage name and moved to Hollywood in 1959.

West is survived by his wife Marcelle, six children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“There are no words to describe how much we’ll miss him,” the family said in its statement. “We know you’ll miss him too and we want you to know how much your love and support meant to him throughout the years.”

The West family shared a message on Adam’s Facebook: “It’s with great sadness that we are sharing this news…Adam West passed away peacefully last night after a short but brave battle with leukemia.

“He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. There are no words to describe how much we’ll miss him. We know you’ll miss him too and we want you to know how much your love and support meant to him throughout the years. Hug your loved ones today.”

RIP Adam West – The best #Batman there ever was… pic.twitter.com/o1dkguRvqn

— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) June 10, 2017

#RIP #AdamWest: I’m not saying I am Batman, I am just saying no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room. pic.twitter.com/Lfl3TzUGc9

— Angie Dois 🖖👽 (@angiedois) June 10, 2017

Our beloved AW passed away last night. He was the greatest. We’ll miss him like crazy. We know you’ll miss him too – West Family pic.twitter.com/8bkEq1C2ao

— Adam West (@therealadamwest) June 10, 2017